Tweed is vaccine black spot

THE DOCTOR whose research suggested a link between vaccination and autism has been banned from practising medicine in the United Kingdom.

Dr Andrew Wakefield released inaccurate research in 1998 that caused millions of parents worldwide to abandon the shot for measles, mumps and rubella.

However, his research was officially discredited by United States special courts in March last year.

Britain's General Medical Council has removed Dr Wakefield from the British medical register and found him guilty of “serious professional misconduct”.

The Tweed Daily News headed to Tweed City Shopping Centre yesterday to ask shoppers for their opinion on immunisation.

Melissa Phillips of Mullumbimby believes immunisation is important in keeping her daughter, Kaitlyn, healthy.

“I don't have a problem with it at all,” Ms Phillips said.

“It's just one of those things that just has to be done.

“Of course it's a personal decision but I think it's worth it.”

The Tweed Shire has “extraordinarily high” rates of people who object to immunisation, particularly in the area around Murwillumbah, according to North Coast Area director of Public Health, Paul Corben.

“Vaccination is the single most effective thing we can do to prevent major, catastrophic and killer diseases,” he said.